Ex-fire captain attempts to have rank restored

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - A former Tucson Fire captain who has been accused of sexually assaulting one of his firefighters while on the clock could learn today if his rank will be restored.

Sloan Tamietti told his side of the story to the civil service panel for the first time.

Tamietti broke down during today's testimony, saying he felt, "embarrassed, ashamed and shocked" during the meeting in which he was demoted.

Tamietti was demoted in January after accusations he physically and sexually assaulted one of his firefighters.

He's challenging the demotion, saying the punishment is excessive and the accusations are a lie or exaggerated.

Documents Tucson News Now obtained from the city show Tamietti is accused of physically and sexually assaulting one of his firefighters three times back in November. It's a claim Tamietti's attorney disputes.

"There was nothing sexual about it," said Mike Storie. "It was like my kids do when they wrestle on the couch."

The documents reveal the victim who we are not identifying says Tamietti straddled and grinded against him. Then later that day, it alleges Tamietti hit the victim on his behind. Then while the victim was sitting at a computer, he says Tamietti came up next to him, put one leg up on the desk and placed his private area against the victim's head.

"He never admitted he rubbed his private areas anywhere near this guy," said Storie.

Now Tamietti is also facing three misdemeanor charges and the city has already paid $125,000 to the victim in a sexual harassment claim.

"I can't speak for whoever made the decision to write this huge check," said Storie. "I can guarantee they have not been watching what's been going on in our hearing."

No one from Tucson Fire or the city would talk about this case because it's an ongoing investigation.

In addition to the demotion, Tamietti was suspended for 10 days.

Tucson News Now's Matt Mendes is covering the hearing. He can be followed on Twitter at @MattMendesTNN.